In a significant move to instil patriotism and honour the sacrifices of India’s military heroes, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new chapters in its curriculum for the 2025–26 academic session, focusing on the lives and valour of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma.
The chapters will feature in Class VIII (Urdu) for Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Class VII (Urdu) for Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Class VIII (English) for Major Somnath Sharma. These additions aim to familiarize young students with the inspiring stories of leadership, courage, and patriotism that have shaped the nation’s military legacy.
Remembering the Heroes
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first officer to be promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal, is remembered for his strategic brilliance and decisive leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
Brigadier Mohammad Usman, a recipient of the Mahavir Chakra (posthumously), was martyred in the 1947–48 Indo-Pak War. Known as the “Lion of Nowshera,” he is celebrated for holding back enemy advances despite overwhelming odds.
Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee (posthumously), sacrificed his life during the Battle of Badgam in 1947 while repelling Pakistani infiltrators in Kashmir. His bravery has become a symbol of unflinching duty and courage.
Promoting National War Memorial Through Education
This educational initiative is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, and NCERT to integrate stories associated with the National War Memorial (NWM) into school textbooks. The aim is to highlight acts of gallantry and promote values such as resilience, sacrifice, and empathy among school children.
Located at the iconic India Gate complex in New Delhi, the National War Memorial was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 February 2019. The Memorial commemorates over 26,000 soldiers who laid down their lives in various conflicts since Independence.
Curriculum with a Purpose
The inclusion of these stories is designed to build awareness of India’s military history, while also encouraging moral development, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of national pride among students.
By studying the lives of these heroes, young learners will not only appreciate the cost of freedom but also be inspired to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and civic responsibility.
